And they are not working for pennies—many are earning $40 an hour or more in skilled trades like construction, landscaping, and specialized farming."

I think what you’re referring to is a checkbook IRA so you can bypass the custodian when performing transactions/investing and all assets/accounts will be held in the name of a special purpose LLC or Trust which is the instrument that gives you checkbook control.  

I’ve specialized in working with real estate investors for many years, and I’d love to hear more about your goals.

I’d recommend reaching out to mortgage brokers who specialize in investor loans—they often have access to niche lenders.All the best!

A colleague of mine specializes in brokering Fannie/freddie commercial mortgages.

I did get a “special “ rate of 6.25 lol.

Don't cut special deals to help a friend or act like a big shot.

Building relationships with wholesalers, agents, and investors who specialize in off-market properties will give you an edge.

Between the extra AirBnB fees, special assessments, silly parking they have going on, it doesn't look good for me in the PCB area. 

From my experience dangerous neighborhoods, as your parents put it, are best left to people that specialize in those or grew up in or live in those types of neighborhoods.